“Hoàng Sa (Paracel) archipelago belongs to Việt Nam. The seizure of Vietnamese fishermen working in the waters around the archipelago has seriously violated Việt Nam's sovereignty, rights and jurisdiction,” Mr. Nghị said in his response to media questions about the issue.

Việt Nam resolutely objects to this action from China. China should cease all similar actions in the future. A representative from the Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Ministry had met with the Chinese Embassy to give them a diplomatic note outlining Vietnam’s position, Mr. Nghi said.

The diplomat also added that Việt Nam would continue its fight to resolve the matter and protect legitimate rights of local fishermen./.